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Friday, October 20, 2017

Get the Scoop on Planet Ant, Ant Hall and Ghost Light and Find Out How You Can Help Them Grow

Planet Ant has been a staple in Hamtramck since it opened back in the '90s. The venue originally started out as a coffee house that featured live music 6 nights a week, but soon transitioned into a theatric venue that features different plays, stand-up comedians, and improv shows throughout the year. They have launched the careers of some of Detroit's biggest stars and taught hundreds of people the art of improv, performance and live theatre. The Ant hosts tons of different classes where you can learn about the art of live performance as well as see a live show featuring some of Detroit's best local performers.

The non-profit has had its ups and downs throughout the years, but they have been making some huge moves over the last year to expand their brand and give the local artist a bigger platform to reach a whole new audience. Last year they tripled their brand by purchasing two buildings across the street to expand their ability to cater to the local artistic community. They purchased Ghost Light Bar and Ant Hall, two buildings conveniently located across from their original Planet Ant location. Each of the new rooms offer new opportunities for Planet Ant. The opening of these two new spaces also marks the groups renewed commitment to musical art. They have been hosting live music in both spaces since they opened their doors. The new spaces are awesome and even though they are still pretty raw, they have been huge additions to the Detroit music community. If you haven't caught a show there, you can check out an updated list here and make a point to hit one soon.

Planet Ant is hoping to continue their growth by raising enough money to turn the hall into a fully functioning theatre. But, in order to get a grant that they have been "awarded", they need to match the donation. This means that to finally finish off the project they need to raise enough money to match the grant and they only have a few more days to do it. If the space doesn't raise $35 grand by the 31st of this month, they don't get the other $35 grand that The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is potentially offering up.

We met with Darren Shelton, the current executive director of the non-profit, to get the history of the space and their mission. Check out our interview with him and then head over here to make a donation. We would love to see this space grow and continue to be a place for artists to get together and create in our community. Plus, it's a great place to see a show!